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Manitou Springs cleans up from flash flood; rain in forecast

Tom Grady cleans up after a flood of debris and mud swept through a section of Manitou Springs, Colo. just west of Colorado Springs on Monday, July 1, 2013. (AP | Bryan Oller)

Residents and business owners in Manitou Springs are digging out and cleaning up after a flash flood Monday night, with isolated heavy rains and the risk of flooding back in the Tuesday forecast.

At least 20 homes and some businesses were damaged Monday when a downpour hammered the Waldo Canyon burn scar in El Paso County. At least eight homes in the area were "significantly damaged," according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, and some roads in the area, including U.S. 24, were temporarily shut down by a wash of mud and debris.

There were no injuries.

On Tuesday another round of hazardous weather is possible for the area.

"Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected today and into this evening across the area," the National Weather Service reports.

The weather service forecast calls for localized heavy rain with a potential for flash flooding. "If you are planning activities in or near a burn scar ... remain vigilant for the potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding," the weather service warns. "Be prepared to take action should heavy rain occur."

Manitou Springs stands a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 a.m. and a 30 percent chance late Tuesday afternoon.

An isolated storm could also unleash lightning, hail and 45 mph winds, the weather service said.

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On Monday, 163 residents were evacuated by the raging water and debris washout.

Surrounding communities, including Colorado Springs, sent resources to help; pickup trucks with blades and bulldozers were used to push debris and mud away from homes and off roads.